Deadline March 1 to apply for property tax exemptions

KINGSTON, N.Y. -- March 1 is the deadline to submit applications for property tax exemptions to local assessors' offices, whether for the first time or for a renewal.

The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption for primary residences only, is available to property owners whose combined income is $500,000 or less. The exemption is not based on age.

The basic STAR exemption does not apply to weekend or vacation homes, noted Marbletown Assessor Barbara Galloway. The property owner must provide proof of residency, and the exemption does not require an annual renewal, she said.

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An enhanced STAR exemption is available for senior citizens. Applications can be submitted by March 1 of the year one of the property's owners will turn 65. The property must be the primary residence of the owner or owners, whose combined income must be $79,050 or less, minus IRA distributions. The exemption requires an annual renewal.

Seniors with limited income may be eligible for additional benefits and, depending on their income, may qualify for reduced school, county and/or town taxes. Senior exemptions are also based on age and residency, and all sources of income are calculated to determine the levels of eligibility for each taxing jurisdiction. The assessor must have documentation of all the applicant's sources of income to apply the exemption, which also requires annual renewal.

Veterans may also be eligible for exemption benefits and should contact their local assessor's office to see if they qualify.

Further information and applications regarding these and other property tax exemptions are available at your local assessor's office, at the Ulster County Real Property Tax Service Agency, and at the state Office of Real Property Services. Some applications are available on municipal websites, like Marbletown's website at www.marbletown.net, as well as at www.tax.ny.gov.